A scope of work document is an agreement on the work you’re going to perform on the project. The scope of work in project management includes deliverables, a timeline, milestones and reports.

Writing a scope of work involves defining project goals, listing deliverables, determining tasks and timelines, outlining quality standards, identifying project goals, specifying roles, establishing acceptance criteria, and planning reporting.

For internal projects, organizations use project proposals while for projects involving outside teams, they use SOW. An effective scope of work includes a glossary, project objectives, schedule/milestones, deliverables, reports, individual tasks, payment information, expected outcome, and terms, conditions, and requirements.

A scope of work document is not a proposal and should never be treated as such. It’s actually a document that’s drawn up, often immediately before you commence working. It’s usually typed up and sent to a company once the sale has been made, and includes a quote for the work that will be done, as well as a timeline for the project.